Greg's Soon Shot Down

Greg's Soon Shot Down

Article excerpt

Greg Rusedski was left cursing his luck after bowing out of the Madrid Masters in the first round.

The British No 2 lost 7-6 6-7 6-7 to 6ft 10in Croatian Ivo Karlovic in a big-hitting match which featured no breaks of serve.

"If you could have written the worst draw to get here, that was it," said Rusedski. "He didn't miss more than three or four volleys in the entire match. Credit to him for that ( I didn't drop my serve either, but he gave me no chances.

"You don't expect to get a rhythm but you hope for chances. If he plays like this against Andy Roddick in the next round there could be some more tiebreaks because he came up with the goods when it counted.

"At least against Rafael Nadal I'd have had the chance to hit the ball." Meanwhile Rusedski has joined Tim Henman in welcoming the arrival of teenager Andrew Murray on the scene.

Henman said on Monday he was happy that British fans had another "real focal point" and Rusedski added: "I think it is great to have someone to follow myself and Tim and do well in the future. …